Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 User manual

Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
[phone]
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk
ULTIMA PRE 3
Manual
-
V.1

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
2 // 29
Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety 03
1.1 Introduction 04
1.2 Protection against liquids and heat 05
1.3 Dismantling and radio 06
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment 07
2.0 Warranty 08
2.1 Warranty and registering 09
2.2 Claims and exclusions 10
0.0 Contents
3.0 Panels and remote control 11
3.1 Familiarisation 12
3.2 The front panel 13
3.3 The rear panel 14
3.4 The remote control 15
4.0 Set up and installation 16
4.1 Placement 17
4.2 Connecting inputs 18
4.3 Connecting to a power amplifier 19
4.4 AV bypass 20
4.5 Other rear panel connections 21
5.0 Operation 22
5.1 Basic operation 23
5.2 Volume and input select 24
5.3 Balance and AV bypass 25
5.4 Dimmable lighting 26
6.0 Technical specifications 27
6.1 Technical specifications 28

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids and heat
1.3 Dismantling and radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment
1.0 Safety
Safety 1.0
3 // 29

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
4 // 29
Introduction 1.1
The ULTIMA PRE 3 is
an advanced, ground-
up design preamplifier
built to complement ULTIMA
amplification.
It benefits from five inputs:
two stereo pairs of XLRs for
balanced connections, plus
three RCA pairs for unbalanced
connections. An XLR AV bypass
is also included for use with
compatible AV processors and
receivers. Outputs include XLR
and RCA connections, a 5 V/ 3
A USB power output (for Qutest
and Hugo 2 DACs, plus general
USB charging), and a 12 V trigger
for powering other compatible
devices.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids
and heat
1.3 Dismantling and radio
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
Protection against
liquids and heat
1.2
The ULTIMA PRE 3 is not
protected against liquids
of any kind. Never place
containers of liquid on the unit,
or allow it to come into contact
with moisture or liquids, doing so
could result in electrocution or
damage.
Be aware that liquids, including
water which has dried, can leave
minerals that can aect the
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the ULTIMA PRE 3 comes into
contact with moisture or liquids,
immediately disconnect it from
the power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
The device
has internal thermal
protection which will
shut the unit down in the event
of excessive temperatures being
reached. Never operate the
device near sources of
heat or naked flames, as this
will decrease the lifespan of the
internal components. Avoid
operating the device in an area
of direct sunlight, or on top
of significant heat-producing
devices.
Note: it is entirely normal for the
device to become warm
during use, particularly if
stacked. If necessary, switch the
unit o or consider dierent
placement.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids
and heat
1.3 Dismantling and radio
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment
5 // 29

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
6 // 29
There are no user-
serviceable components
within the ULTIMA PRE
3 or its power supply. Dangerous
voltages/currents exist within
the ULTIMA PRE 3 and its power
supply, potentially posing a
severe risk of electrocution and/
or fire.
Never attempt to open,
dismantle or apply
internal third-party devices to
it, or insert anything other than
appropriate interconnects or
power cables suggested within
this user manual.
If the device develops a fault, or
the casework becomes damaged,
immediately disconnect from
the power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics or the supplying
dealer for further advice.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids
and heat
1.3 Dismantling and radio
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment
Dismantling and radio
frequency interference
1.3
With a thick, solid aluminium
chassis, the ULTIMA PRE 3’s
casework protects the sensitive
internal circuitry from radio
frequency interference. However,
for optimal performance, it is
recommended that the following
points are observed:
1. Consider placing the
ULTIMA PRE 3 away
from wireless routers.
2. Operate mobile
phones at a distance
to avoid interference.

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
Before connecting the device
to other equipment, consult the
respective manufacturer’s user
guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the ULTIMA
PRE 3 to other equipment, make
sure that all devices are switched
o. A 10-amp IEC mains lead is
supplied.
Once fully connected, switch
all equipment on, starting with
the source and ending with the
amplification.
Initially, operate any connected
equipment at the lowest
volume, gently increasing to a
comfortable level.
Never operate the device
or connected equipment
at excessive sound levels:
permanent hearing damage and
loss could occur.
If the power supply is
prematurely disconnected, the
device may still remain active for
up to 15 seconds.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids
and heat
1.3 Dismantling and radio
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting other equipment
Connecting other equipment 1.4
Never disconnect
the power cable
during operation.
Only disconnect when the
ULTIMA PRE 3 is o. If the
power cable is disconnected
during operation, there is a
risk of damage to connected
equipment.
7 // 29

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
2.1 Warranty and registering
2.2 Claims and exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0
8 // 29

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
9 // 29
2.1 Warranty and registering 2.2 Claims and exclusions
Warranty and registering 2.1
At the point of sale, Chord
Electronics Ltd. provides
the ULTIMA PRE 3 with a
comprehensive five-year
warranty* that covers defects
in materials and workmanship
through fair wear and tear. Note:
the warranty will be void if a
power supply other than that
supplied is used.
*The warranty is transferable with
proof of purchase, however, the
warranty on ex-demonstration
units begins from the retailer‘s
date of purchase.
Use the form
below to record details.
Purchases should be
registered at:
chordelectronics.co.uk/register-
product/
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
In the unlikely event of a claim,
purchase details and the serial
number will be needed in order
to validate the warranty status
and any possible repair/s.
Upon receipt of the device,
Chord Electronics will make an
assessment within 30 days and
provide resolution options.
All warranty repairs must be
carried out by Chord Electronics,
or an approved service centre to
guarantee the quality and safety
of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
warranty does not cover connected
equipment, personal injury or the
development of a natural patina of
the metalwork and will be null and
void if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering;
improper use of the product; acts of
God; damage caused by a connected
device; mechanical shock; fire
or application of excessive heat
or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.
2.1 Warranty and registering 2.2 Claims and exclusions
Claims and exclusions 2.2
10 // 29

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE 3 | Manual
_
3.1 Familiarisation
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The back panel
3.4 The remote control
3.0 Panels and remote
control
Panels and remote control 3.0
11 // 29

The ULTIMA PRE 3 is a five-input
preamp with both balanced and
unbalanced inputs and outputs.
Its contemporary design makes
it the ideal ‘hub’ for a Chord
Electronics audio system.
3.1 Familiarisation
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The back panel
3.4 The remote control
Familiarisation 3.1
12 // 29

The front panel features the
volume/input-selector control,
power button and balance/AV
bypass control.
3.1 Familiarisation
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The back panel
3.4 The remote control
The front panel 3.2
13 // 29
Volume control and
input selector
Power button
Balance control and
AV bypass selector

The rear panel houses
the device’s wide-ranging
connectivity.
3.1 Familiarisation
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The back panel
3.4 The remote control
The back panel 3.3
14 // 29
WARNING: Do not
use any other power
supplies other than
that supplied. Doing so will
invalidate the warranty.
12 V trigger outputs
10 A IEC AC
power inlet with
on/o rocker switch
Balanced XLR inputs
1-2
Unbalanced RCA inputs
inputs 3-5
A/V bypass
input
5 V/3 A USB
power output
Balanced XLR and
unbalanced RCA outputs

The remote control oers control
over the ULTIMA PRE 3, plus
selected Chord Electronics
devices. The top section is
reserved for the BLU MKII CD
digital transport, while the
bottom section is used for the
ULTIMA PRE 3.
As the infra-red remote control
requires a direct line of sight
to the preamp’s power button,
avoid placing objects in front of
either device.
NOTE: The remote will need to be
in hi-fi mode to work with the Pre
3. Press the hi-fi button to enter
this mode. The annotated image
(right) provides a key to button
operation.
3.1 Familiarisation
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The back panel
3.4 The remote control
The remote control 3.4
15 // 29
NOTE: Only insert
AAA batteries into
the remote control
and observe the correct
orientation as indicated.
123
456
789
0
SHUF TIME
LEVEL SETUPBYPASS
OP1+2
MUTE OP1OP2
BAL- BAL+
ESC
HIF
IA
V
OK
LINE1 LINE4TP-01 TP-04
LINE2 LINE5TP-02 TP-05
LINE3MAINTP-03 TAPE
ZONE DIM LOCK
REP
DISC1 RAD DISC RAD
DISC2TAPE2 DISC2TAPE1
VIDBUS AVID BUS B
VOL-
VOL+
LINE+LINE-
TONE
Standby
Mute
ULTIMA PRE 3 Volume
control +
ULTIMA PRE 3 Volume
control -
Balance - Balance +
AV
AV bypass
Dim
Input +
Hi-fi
Input -
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4
Input 5

4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting inputs
4.3 Connecting to a power amplifier
4.4 AV bypass
4.5 Other rear panel connections
4.0 Set up and
installation
Set up and installation 4.0
16 // 29

When positioning the device,
allow a minimum of 15 cm all
round for convection-cooling.
Avoid placement inside cabinets
etc.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting inputs
4.3 Connecting to a power
amplifier
4.4 AV bypass
4.5 Other rear panel connections
Placement 4.1
17 // 29

Up to five source components
can be connected using balanced
(XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
interconnects. Ensure that all
units are switched o before
connections are made and that all
are securely attached.
The AV bypass XLR input is
located to the right of the 12 V
trigger outputs.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting inputs
4.3 Connecting to a power
amplifier
4.4 AV bypass
4.5 Other rear panel connections
Connecting to power and
inputs
4.2
18 // 29
Balanced
input 1-2
Unbalanced
input 3-5
Each input is arranged as a stereo
pair, L (left top), R (right bottom).
The outputs (XLR and RCA) for
connection to power amps and
active speakers etc. can be found
on the right of the unit.
Connect the supplied 10 A power
cable to the IEC inlet socket
and then to a power supply at
the wall. Note: only when all
connections are made and the
volume set to miniumum, should
the preamp be switched on.

Using the XLR or RCA outputs
shown in the illustration, connect
the ULTIMA PRE 3 to the power
amplifer’s corresponding inputs.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting inputs
4.3 Connecting to a power
amplifier
4.4 AV bypass
4.5 Other rear panel connections
Connecting
to a power amplifier
4.3
19 // 29
XLR and
RCA
outputs

The AV bypass feature allows
the output of an AV processor
or receiver to directly connect
to the preamp’s output. The
preamp’s volume control and
signal processing are then
bypassed, so that the signal from
the AV device reaches connected
power amplifiers as if it were
connected directly.
This can be useful for watching
video with high-quality two-
channel audio.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting inputs
4.3 Connecting to a power
amplifier
4.4 AV bypass
4.5 Other rear panel connections
AV bypass 4.4
20 // 29
A/V XLR
input
To connect the preamp to an AV
device using AV bypass:
1) Locate the XLR AV bypass
input shown below and
connect to the corresponding
output on the partnering AV
device, checking the device’s
manual if required.
2) Select the appropriate output
on the connected AV device
and ensure the AV bypass
mode has been selected on
the preamp (see page 24).
WARNING: The
volume control on the
preamp will be
bypassed, so check the
connected AV device’s
volume has been turned
down before increasing
volume.